3 adjustments Dan Quinn must make to fix Cowboys’ defensive woes

2. More 4-Safety Looks

If Cox isn’t leaving Quinn’s doghouse, might we propose deploying four safeties to help atone for Dallas’ deficiencies at linebacker?

The Cowboys opened overtime against Jacksonville with four safeties on the field, including Kearse, Malik Hooker, Donovan Wilson and rookie Markquese Bell, and the defense stopped Travis Etienne for a one-yard gain.

The defensive line might have more collective talent relative to the safety position, but safety has been Dallas’ greatest strength on defense all year. Kearse is as consistent as they come, and Hooker and Wilson, the latter of who is second on the team in tackles, are putting together the best seasons of their careers. Even Bell and Israel Mukuamu have flashed potential in limited opportunities.

Deploying four safeties more often would allow Quinn to get creative with Wilson and Kearse, both of whom are comfortable lining up in the box. If it means placing more trust in Bell and Mukuamu, then so be it. They’re on the roster for a reason, and no more than two linebackers need to be on the field right now given how Barr performed against the Jags when Vander Esch left the game.